It’s been ten years since the establishment of the Public Participation Network and a plenary meeting held in December really reflected on the positive impact the PPN has had on what now amounts to 600 community groups in the Longford area. READ MORE BELOW PHOTO PPNs were written into legislation under the Local Government Reform Act of 2014, giving a stronger voice to community groups, allowing them to have a say on what’s happening in local government, while bringing ideas and suggestions to the major decision makers. The County Longford PPN allows the diversity of voices and interests to be facilitated and involved in the decision-making process and, from childcare, to disabilities, to social inclusion, Longford PPN has done something for everybody. But with just one permanent Coordinator and one temporary support worker, managing a network of 600 community groups and 30 representatives on the decision-making committee, not to mention the PPN Disability Network, an Intercultural Forum and all that goes with it, the PPN is not without its challenges. More support - particularly political support - is needed, but despite the challenges, it’s been an incredible ten years for Longford PPN. And, perhaps, nobody puts it better than the people who have been at the coal-face over the course of the last decade. For more information on how to register with Longford PPN, or to learn more about how the PPN works, visit www.longfordppn.ie, or follow County Longford PPN on Facebook.placeholder image
It’s been ten years since the establishment of the Public Participation Network and a plenary meeting held in December really reflected on the positive impact the PPN has had on what now amounts to 600 community groups in the Longford area. READ MORE BELOW PHOTO PPNs were written into legislation under the Local Government Reform Act of 2014, giving a stronger voice to community groups, allowing them to have a say on what’s happening in local government, while bringing ideas and suggestions to the major decision makers. The County Longford PPN allows the diversity of voices and interests to be facilitated and involved in the decision-making process and, from childcare, to disabilities, to social inclusion, Longford PPN has done something for everybody. But with just one permanent Coordinator and one temporary support worker, managing a network of 600 community groups and 30 representatives on the decision-making committee, not to mention the PPN Disability Network, an Intercultural Forum and all that goes with it, the PPN is not without its challenges. More support - particularly political support - is needed, but despite the challenges, it’s been an incredible ten years for Longford PPN. And, perhaps, nobody puts it better than the people who have been at the coal-face over the course of the last decade. For more information on how to register with Longford PPN, or to learn more about how the PPN works, visit www.longfordppn.ie, or follow County Longford PPN on Facebook.

PICTURES | County Longford Public Participation Network: Ten years connecting communities

By Jessica Thompson
Published 23rd Jan 2025, 09:00 BST

County Longford PPN allows a diversity of voices and interests to be facilitated and involved in the decision-making process

Siobhán Cronogue, PPN Coordinator“I am truly honoured to have dedicated the past decade to working with Longford PPN, growing the network from 93 community groups to an impressive 600. READ MORE BELOW PHOTO "Our community groups are the backbone of this county, contributing an extraordinary amount of voluntary hours to drive meaningful projects, secure vital grant funding, and represent the voices of the community and voluntary, social inclusion, and environmental sectors. Their efforts ensure that there is something for everyone to engage with, fostering a vibrant and inclusive community for all.”

1.

Siobhán Cronogue, PPN Coordinator“I am truly honoured to have dedicated the past decade to working with Longford PPN, growing the network from 93 community groups to an impressive 600. READ MORE BELOW PHOTO "Our community groups are the backbone of this county, contributing an extraordinary amount of voluntary hours to drive meaningful projects, secure vital grant funding, and represent the voices of the community and voluntary, social inclusion, and environmental sectors. Their efforts ensure that there is something for everyone to engage with, fostering a vibrant and inclusive community for all.”

Tess Murphy, PPN Secretariat for 10 years“The PPN is really a say in the decision-making of the local council, and the County Council is responsible for many of the services that make our communities a safe, nurturing place to live. READ MORE BELOW PHOTO “It's important that the voice of voluntary groups, that support so many aspects of community life, is heard when these local decisions are being made. Community groups are, in a way, the glue that binds communities together. “I think the past ten years have shown that the level of community and voluntary activity in Longford is an essential element in creating and maintaining a society where every individual in the county is supported to achieve their potential.  “The support of Longford County Council during the past ten years is deeply appreciated, and the cooperation between Longford County Council and the PPN will ensure that Longford is a county where we can all enjoy excellent services, housing and leisure facilities. “It is important to have adequately resourced staffing to provide the support required. A massive acknowledgement should go to the work of Siobhán who has been there from the beginning, and the temporary support workers who have helped out along the way.”

2.

Tess Murphy, PPN Secretariat for 10 years“The PPN is really a say in the decision-making of the local council, and the County Council is responsible for many of the services that make our communities a safe, nurturing place to live. READ MORE BELOW PHOTO “It's important that the voice of voluntary groups, that support so many aspects of community life, is heard when these local decisions are being made. Community groups are, in a way, the glue that binds communities together. “I think the past ten years have shown that the level of community and voluntary activity in Longford is an essential element in creating and maintaining a society where every individual in the county is supported to achieve their potential.  “The support of Longford County Council during the past ten years is deeply appreciated, and the cooperation between Longford County Council and the PPN will ensure that Longford is a county where we can all enjoy excellent services, housing and leisure facilities. “It is important to have adequately resourced staffing to provide the support required. A massive acknowledgement should go to the work of Siobhán who has been there from the beginning, and the temporary support workers who have helped out along the way.”

Barbara Heslin, Director of Services, Longford County Council“Over the last 10 years Longford County Council has collaborated closely with the PPN to support communities. Our new Corporate Plan sets out a vision of an ambitious county providing opportunities for all. It recognises the importance of community and has done so by highlighting people as one of the central themes. READ MORE BELOW PHOTO “Government has recognised the importance of community development through the introduction of new initiatives through the Local Authorities. Over the past 10 years we have witnessed new programmes through our libraries and community development sections. “These have included Healthy Ireland, Sláintecare Healthy Communities, Local Community Safety Partnerships, Sports Partnership, Creative Ireland, Age Friendly, Cruinniú na nÓg and many others. These programmes and initiatives have created connections and relationships which support communities. They assisted us in dealing with challenges such as Covid-19 and our response to the Ukrainian crisis.    “I would encourage more community groups to get involved with the PPN. We also need to encourage people to get involved with community groups and volunteering. Time and time again, we hear of community groups struggling to get people to help with activities, projects, fundraising, and committee membership.      “At the end of the day it comes down to people and people willing to engage with and support each other.”

3.

Barbara Heslin, Director of Services, Longford County Council“Over the last 10 years Longford County Council has collaborated closely with the PPN to support communities. Our new Corporate Plan sets out a vision of an ambitious county providing opportunities for all. It recognises the importance of community and has done so by highlighting people as one of the central themes. READ MORE BELOW PHOTO “Government has recognised the importance of community development through the introduction of new initiatives through the Local Authorities. Over the past 10 years we have witnessed new programmes through our libraries and community development sections. “These have included Healthy Ireland, Sláintecare Healthy Communities, Local Community Safety Partnerships, Sports Partnership, Creative Ireland, Age Friendly, Cruinniú na nÓg and many others. These programmes and initiatives have created connections and relationships which support communities. They assisted us in dealing with challenges such as Covid-19 and our response to the Ukrainian crisis.    “I would encourage more community groups to get involved with the PPN. We also need to encourage people to get involved with community groups and volunteering. Time and time again, we hear of community groups struggling to get people to help with activities, projects, fundraising, and committee membership.      “At the end of the day it comes down to people and people willing to engage with and support each other.”

Kathleen Dowd, PPN Secretariat and PPN Rep for Rural Link“The PPN is part of the democratic process, and to be a representative within the PPN, you are part of that political representation. It was initiated for people to identify skills, transfer skills and learn new skills in participatory way that empowers both themselves, their families and wider communities. READ MORE BELOW PHOTO “In my role, a lot of people would ask about different opportunities that would allow them to get a sense of belonging and get involved within the community. My role as Director of Programmes permits me to develop programmes that meet the needs of the community, so as PPN representative this widens my reach and support to further listen to the needs of the Community.  “The PPN is important because it can provide a vehicle for people to participate, but also to gain empowerment, to get involved and move forward with their communities. Without collaboration, there'd be no community development in Longford, and I think that's something that's very important to us.”

4.

Kathleen Dowd, PPN Secretariat and PPN Rep for Rural Link“The PPN is part of the democratic process, and to be a representative within the PPN, you are part of that political representation. It was initiated for people to identify skills, transfer skills and learn new skills in participatory way that empowers both themselves, their families and wider communities. READ MORE BELOW PHOTO “In my role, a lot of people would ask about different opportunities that would allow them to get a sense of belonging and get involved within the community. My role as Director of Programmes permits me to develop programmes that meet the needs of the community, so as PPN representative this widens my reach and support to further listen to the needs of the Community.  “The PPN is important because it can provide a vehicle for people to participate, but also to gain empowerment, to get involved and move forward with their communities. Without collaboration, there'd be no community development in Longford, and I think that's something that's very important to us.”

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